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Study Guide: Nervous System Structure and Function

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Q1. Draw and label the parts of a neuron, including: cell body, dendrite, axon, Schwann cell, Myelin Sheath, Nodes of Ranvier, synaptic terminal.

Background

Topic: Neuron Structure

This question tests your understanding of the anatomy of a neuron and the ability to identify and label its key components.

Key Terms:

  • Cell body (soma): Contains the nucleus and organelles.

  • Dendrite: Receives signals from other neurons.

  • Axon: Conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.

  • Schwann cell: Produces myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

  • Myelin Sheath: Insulating layer around the axon.

  • Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate rapid signal transmission.

  • Synaptic terminal: End of the neuron where signals are transmitted to other cells.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Start by drawing an elongated cell with a central region (the cell body or soma).

  2. Add several short, branching extensions to the cell body—these are the dendrites.

  3. Draw a long, thin projection from the cell body—this is the axon.

  4. Along the axon, draw segments of insulation (myelin sheath) with small gaps between them (Nodes of Ranvier).

  5. Label Schwann cells as the cells that wrap around the axon to form the myelin sheath (in the PNS).

  6. At the end of the axon, draw and label the synaptic terminals (axon terminals).

Try sketching and labeling your diagram before checking an example!

Q2. The 2 divisions of the nervous system are CNS and PNS. Describe what each of them do.

Background

Topic: Organization of the Nervous System

This question tests your understanding of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their functions.

Key Terms:

  • CNS (Central Nervous System): Brain and spinal cord; processes information and coordinates responses.

  • PNS (Peripheral Nervous System): All nerves outside the CNS; transmits signals between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define the CNS and list its main components.

  2. Describe the primary function of the CNS (processing and integrating information).

  3. Define the PNS and its main components (nerves and ganglia outside the CNS).

  4. Explain how the PNS connects the CNS to limbs and organs, enabling communication throughout the body.

Try describing the roles of CNS and PNS in your own words before checking the answer!

Q3. What is the difference between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron?

Background

Topic: Types of Neurons

This question tests your understanding of the functional differences between sensory and motor neurons.

Key Terms:

  • Sensory neuron: Transmits signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.

  • Motor neuron: Transmits signals from the CNS to muscles or glands.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a sensory neuron does and where it sends information.

  2. Define what a motor neuron does and where it sends information.

  3. Compare the direction of signal transmission for each type of neuron.

Try explaining the difference in your own words before checking the answer!

Q4. Describe gray matter vs white matter.

Background

Topic: Nervous Tissue Structure

This question tests your understanding of the composition and function of gray and white matter in the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Gray matter: Contains neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons; involved in processing and integration.

  • White matter: Contains myelinated axons; responsible for communication between different brain regions.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the main components of gray matter and its primary function.

  2. Describe the main components of white matter and its primary function.

  3. Explain why white matter appears white (due to myelin).

Try describing the differences before checking the answer!

Q5. Describe the structure and function of a dendrite vs an axon.

Background

Topic: Neuron Anatomy

This question tests your understanding of the roles of dendrites and axons in neural communication.

Key Terms:

  • Dendrite: Short, branched extensions that receive signals from other neurons.

  • Axon: Long, singular extension that transmits signals away from the cell body.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the physical structure of a dendrite and its function in receiving signals.

  2. Describe the physical structure of an axon and its function in sending signals.

  3. Compare the direction of information flow for dendrites and axons.

Try explaining the differences before checking the answer!

Q6. A synaptic terminal can send what 2 types of signals?

Background

Topic: Synaptic Transmission

This question tests your understanding of the types of signals transmitted at synapses.

Key Terms:

  • Electrical signal: Direct passage of ions through gap junctions (rare in humans).

  • Chemical signal: Release of neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft (most common).

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the two main types of signals that can be sent at a synaptic terminal.

  2. Briefly describe how each type of signal is transmitted.

Try listing the two types before checking the answer!

Q7. Draw an action potential diagram. Y axis is voltage, X axis is time. Draw all 5 steps of the action potential on the graph. Label what happens in each stage: Resting state, Threshold depolarization, Depolarization, Repolarization, Refractory period.

Background

Topic: Action Potential

This question tests your understanding of the phases of an action potential and your ability to represent them graphically.

Key Terms:

  • Resting state: Neuron at rest, negative inside.

  • Threshold depolarization: Membrane potential reaches threshold to trigger action potential.

  • Depolarization: Rapid rise in membrane potential (Na+ influx).

  • Repolarization: Return to negative potential (K+ efflux).

  • Refractory period: Brief period when neuron cannot fire again.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Draw the X-axis (time) and Y-axis (voltage, typically from -70 mV to +40 mV).

  2. Mark and label the five phases along the curve: resting state, threshold, depolarization, repolarization, refractory period.

  3. Indicate the direction of ion movement (Na+ in, K+ out) at each phase.

  4. Label the key voltage changes at each stage.

Try sketching the graph and labeling each phase before checking an example!

Q8. Describe how ion concentration keeps the inside of the cell negative and the outside positive.

Background

Topic: Resting Membrane Potential

This question tests your understanding of how ion gradients and membrane permeability establish the resting potential.

Key Terms:

  • Na+/K+ pump: Moves 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in, creating a charge difference.

  • Membrane permeability: More permeable to K+ than Na+, leading to K+ efflux.

  • Negative proteins: Large anions inside the cell contribute to negativity.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the role of the Na+/K+ pump in establishing ion gradients.

  2. Explain how selective permeability to K+ ions contributes to the negative resting potential.

  3. Mention the presence of negatively charged proteins inside the cell.

Try explaining the process before checking the answer!

Q9. What is a neurotransmitter?

Background

Topic: Synaptic Transmission

This question tests your understanding of the molecules that transmit signals across synapses.

Key Terms:

  • Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals to other cells.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a neurotransmitter is.

  2. Describe its role in neural communication.

Try defining neurotransmitter before checking the answer!

Q10. What is the function of dopamine? Serotonin? Endorphins?

Background

Topic: Neurotransmitter Functions

This question tests your knowledge of the roles of specific neurotransmitters in the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Dopamine: Involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

  • Serotonin: Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

  • Endorphins: Act as natural painkillers and promote feelings of well-being.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main function of dopamine in the brain.

  2. List the main function of serotonin.

  3. List the main function of endorphins.

Try matching each neurotransmitter to its function before checking the answer!

Q11. How can substances like caffeine affect neurotransmitters?

Background

Topic: Neuropharmacology

This question tests your understanding of how drugs and substances can alter neurotransmitter activity.

Key Terms:

  • Caffeine: Blocks adenosine receptors, increasing neurotransmitter release and alertness.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the normal role of adenosine in the brain (promotes sleepiness).

  2. Explain how caffeine blocks adenosine receptors.

  3. Describe the effect this has on neurotransmitter release and alertness.

Try explaining the mechanism before checking the answer!

Q12. What do SSRI’s do?

Background

Topic: Neuropharmacology

This question tests your understanding of how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect neurotransmission.

Key Terms:

  • SSRI: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; increases serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what an SSRI is.

  2. Explain how SSRIs affect serotonin reuptake at the synapse.

  3. Describe the result of increased serotonin in the synaptic cleft.

Try explaining the action of SSRIs before checking the answer!

Q13. What is the purpose of the Meninges? Cerebral spinal fluid?

Background

Topic: Protection of the CNS

This question tests your understanding of the protective structures of the brain and spinal cord.

Key Terms:

  • Meninges: Three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Fluid that cushions the CNS and removes waste.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the three layers of the meninges.

  2. Describe the protective function of the meninges.

  3. Explain the role of cerebrospinal fluid in cushioning and supporting the CNS.

Try describing the functions before checking the answer!

Q14. What is meningitis?

Background

Topic: Nervous System Disorders

This question tests your understanding of diseases affecting the protective coverings of the CNS.

Key Terms:

  • Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges, often caused by infection.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define meningitis.

  2. List common causes (bacterial, viral, fungal infections).

  3. Describe typical symptoms (headache, fever, stiff neck).

Try defining meningitis before checking the answer!

Q15. Define the functions of the parts of the Human brain: Brainstem, Medulla oblongata, Pons, Midbrain, Cerebellum, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Cerebrum.

Background

Topic: Brain Anatomy and Function

This question tests your knowledge of the major brain regions and their roles.

Key Terms:

  • Brainstem: Controls basic life functions (breathing, heart rate).

  • Medulla oblongata: Regulates vital autonomic functions.

  • Pons: Relays signals between cerebrum and cerebellum; involved in sleep and respiration.

  • Midbrain: Processes visual and auditory information.

  • Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance.

  • Thalamus: Sensory relay station.

  • Hypothalamus: Regulates homeostasis, hormones, hunger, and thirst.

  • Cerebrum: Responsible for higher brain functions (thinking, memory, voluntary movement).

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List each brain part and its main function.

  2. Group related functions (e.g., brainstem parts control autonomic functions).

  3. Note which regions are involved in sensory processing, movement, or higher cognition.

Try matching each brain part to its function before checking the answer!

Q16. What parts of the brain are important for memory?

Background

Topic: Memory and the Brain

This question tests your understanding of the brain regions involved in memory formation and storage.

Key Terms:

  • Hippocampus: Essential for forming new memories.

  • Amygdala: Involved in emotional memory.

  • Cerebral cortex: Stores long-term memories.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the hippocampus and its role in memory formation.

  2. Describe the amygdala's role in emotional memory.

  3. Explain how the cerebral cortex is involved in long-term memory storage.

Try listing the brain regions before checking the answer!

Q17. What is the difference between short term vs long term memory?

Background

Topic: Types of Memory

This question tests your understanding of the characteristics and differences between short-term and long-term memory.

Key Terms:

  • Short-term memory: Holds information temporarily (seconds to minutes).

  • Long-term memory: Stores information for extended periods (days to years).

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define short-term memory and its typical duration and capacity.

  2. Define long-term memory and its duration and capacity.

  3. Compare how information is transferred from short-term to long-term memory (consolidation).

Try explaining the differences before checking the answer!

Q18. Memory Disorders: CTE

Background

Topic: Memory Disorders

This question tests your understanding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its effects on memory.

Key Terms:

  • CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy): Degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define CTE and its main cause.

  2. Describe how CTE affects memory and cognitive function.

  3. List common symptoms (memory loss, confusion, mood changes).

Try summarizing CTE before checking the answer!

Q19. Sensory input, CNS, sympathetic or parasympathetic, enteric division, body responses

Background

Topic: Divisions of the Nervous System and Body Responses

This question tests your understanding of how the nervous system is organized and how it controls body responses.

Key Terms:

  • Sensory input: Information gathered by sensory receptors.

  • CNS: Processes and interprets sensory input.

  • Sympathetic division: Prepares body for "fight or flight" response.

  • Parasympathetic division: Promotes "rest and digest" activities.

  • Enteric division: Controls digestive tract activity.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the pathway of sensory input from receptors to the CNS.

  2. Explain how the CNS processes this information and sends signals via the PNS.

  3. Differentiate between the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

  4. Give examples of body responses controlled by each division.

Try outlining the pathway and divisions before checking the answer!

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